what everybody ought to know about the Causes of Constipation

Before discussing the causes of constipation, you might find it helpful to answer first another question: What is constipation? After all, you can't successfully deal with a problem unless you know what causes it, don't you agree?

Definition of constipation: Constipation is difficulty in passing
stools or the infrequent passage of hard, dry stools as a result of food
moving slowly through the large intestine.

This slow
passage of stools cause excess fluid to be absorbed, making faeces dry
out more and more until eventually the bowel opens through sheer weight
of the material, usually leaving the sufferer feeling that the rectum is
still full.

Main Causes of Constipation

The causes of constipation can be many, but in most cases constipation arises from insufficient amounts of fiber and not enough consumption of fluids in the diet.

Unlike
vitamins and minerals, fiber isn't absorbed by the digestive tract.
Instead it spends a long time in the intestine, absorbing large amounts
of fluid.

When fiber absorbs water, stool gradually swell,
getting bigger and wetter. Unlike small stools, which can accumulate for
days before moving on, large stools are moved out of the intestine much
more quickly. And because large stools are much softer than small ones,
there's less straining when they do move.

So, in a nutshell, the best step you can take to
relieve constipation naturally is to increase the fiber in your diet as
well as drink sufficient water.

Neurological disorders such as injuries to the spinal column or injuries to the nerves that usually regulate bowel movement

Prolonged use of laxatives may cause damage to the nerve cells in the wall of the colon

Poor diet, especially heavy consumption of junk food

Side
effect of some medications, such as iron supplements, cough syrups,
pain medications that contain codeine, some antidepressants, blood
pressure and heart medications, calcium supplements and some
antihistamines, and antacids containing aluminum

Severe depression

Metabolic disturbances such as high levels of calcium and low levels of thyroid hormone

Please note: As
so many factors can cause constipation, don't assume that what causes
constipation in your case is just your diet. If diet alone doesn't solve
the problem in a few weeks, investigate other avenues with the help of
your doctor.

It Could Be All in Your Mind

No, I don't mean that you're imagining it. What I mean is that your attitude toward bowel movements can be one of the reasons for constipation.

It's a fact that some people may be chronically constipated because they don't
want to take the time to have a bowel movement or don't like to have
bowel movements at work, so they ignore the urge.

Problem is, the
longer the stools spend time in the colon the more water is absorbed
back into the body and stools get drier and harder.

Also, when you
ignore your body's urges, the rectum gets used to being stretched and
fails to respond normally. Feces back up into the colon, causing
discomfort.

So when your body gives you a signal, stop what
you're doing and go to the bathroom! If you dislike having a bowel
movement at work, school or in a public toilet, readjust your attitude
and get used to the idea.

A Laxative Too Far

Overuse of laxative is common and makes the problem even worse. In fact, it
can become one of the causes of constipation in its own right.

Chronic
use of laxatives, even herbal laxatives, causes the bowels to become
lazy and the muscles become dependent on laxatives to constrict. People
often find they need more laxatives to have the same effect. Some
laxatives can cause damage to the nerve cells in the wall of the colon.

So, what if you have used too many laxatives? You need to retrain your body to have bowel movements on its own.

Try
sitting on the toilet each morning for 20 minutes and relax. Over time
your body will remember how to relax and function normally. Plus you
need to follow all the other suggestions found on the next pages.

A Word of Caution:

Please note - You need to see your doctor if you notice any of the following:

An abrupt change in your bowel habits.

If
symptoms of constipation persist for two weeks or longer, despite
self-care measures, or if persistent constipation is accompanied by
weight loss.

If fever or abdominal pain accompanies constipation.

If cramping or pain is severe or disrupts your daily routine.

If you notice blood in the stools.

If the constipation develops into diarrhoea or vomiting.

If you have recently started taking a medication that may be causing constipation.